Dickens' Diamond Ring Up For Auction

Published on 16/01/09

An item which could hold the answer to a 19th century scandal is among the gold diamond rings set to be sold at auction next month, it has been revealed.

A jewel-encrusted band which Charles Dickens is believed to have given to his sister-in-law, Georgina Hogarth, is said to be proof that the pair had an illegitimate child together.

The piece has the novelist's name inscribed on it and was handed down to its current owners from a man who was believed to be his and Ms Hogarth's son.

According to auctioneers the 0.9-carat item, which will be sold on February 21st, could fetch as much as £35,000, however if its authenticity can be proven its final price may exceed this.

Last month, gemstones, which could be used in items such as platinum diamond rings and diamond drop earrings, were among the top-sellers at Christie's New York Jewels event, with a pair of pear-shaped stones selling for $3.5 million (£2.3 million).